I can vouch for the fact that everything Mr. Mendez says is true. Dennis Moore is THE BEST.
MC




ww.mooreforcongress.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=
article&sid=58&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0


TESTIMONIAL
from John Mendez, Wyandotte Countian for Moore

"You've got to respect a man who puts forth his life to public service. I know that Dennis Moore is there for us. I can see the care in his eyes when I talk to him."


John Mendez and Congressman Dennis Moore. John

"He's just a good friend."

This is how John Mendez describes Congressman Dennis Moore's commitment to Wyandotte County, Kansas City Kansas and the unique issues facing these communities.

Mendez should know. He's been involved with public service for '30 plus years' in the area. He has proudly served as Deputy City Administrator for KCK, Deputy County Administrator for Wyandotte County, and is now a Unified Government Commissioner for its Third District, encompassing the Rosedale and Argentine areas. "I've really enjoyed it," says Mendez, "you get to meet people and see the results of your efforts locally."

Mendez sees his crucial role as "providing leadership in the redevelopment process of the urban core." This includes rebuilding infrastructure and homes, dealing with rising unemployment, fighting urban blight and crime, and pursuing efforts to keep kids in school. Equal parts civic leader and cheerleader, Mendez seeks to provide funding for these efforts and to "keep neighborhood groups motivated and inspired with a lot of spirit."

These initiatives require government resources "and we don't have a lot to spare," says Mendez. Local leaders like Mendez must find alliances in Washington to direct much-needed federal money to their communities. And this is where Dennis Moore comes in.

"Dennis has always been there for Wyandotte County and KCK," says Mendez. "He has helped us identify federal money to rebuild our urban core." In addition, Moore has "addressed the unemployment problem as well as health care; getting federal funds to assist people without insurance. He has been a friend of our community for many, many years."

In addition to supporting rebuilding efforts in Wyandotte County, Mendez feels that Moore has a special interest in its constituents, especially the Hispanic community. "He clearly supports issues that support immigrants and fight urban blight," says Mendez. "He understands the Hispanic community; immigration issues, job issues, health care."

Moore has been an outspoken supporter of the Dream Act, which Mendez calls "important legislation that helps immigrant kids afford local schools and colleges." Moore has opposed "really shameful" legislation that would deny emergency room services unless the patient can prove their US citizenship. "You can't find leaders who are more sensitive to immigrant issues than Dennis Moore," says Mendez.

Mendez cites leaders like Moore and former KCK Mayor Jack Reardon as inspirational in their abilities to motivate and create positive change. "You've got to respect a man who puts forth his life to public service," says Mendez. "I know that Dennis Moore is there for us. I can see the care in his eyes when I talk to him."

"He's a friend, indeed, for us."

ABOUT DENNIS

A lifelong Kansan, Dennis Moore was educated in Wichita public schools, and graduated from the University of Kansas and Washburn University School of Law. After service in the U.S. Army, Congressman Moore began his legal career in the Kansas Attorney General's office, and moved to private practice in 1973.

In 1976, Dennis Moore was elected District Attorney in Johnson County, and was re-elected to two more four-year terms. After returning to private practice, Dennis Moore was twice elected to the Johnson County Community College Board of Trustees. He was instrumental in the founding of Safehome (a shelter for battered women and children); the Coalition for Prevention of Child Abuse, which later became Sunflower House; and the Johnson County chapter of Court Appointed Special Advocates (or CASA).

On November 3, 1998, Dennis Moore was elected as Third District Congressman in the U.S. House, where he serves o­n the House Financial Services Committee, the Budget Committee, and the Science Committee. He was re-elected in 2000, 2002 and 2004.

Moore lives in Lenexa with his wife Stephene, a registered nurse, close to their five grandchildren. He returns home to Kansas virtually every weekend to meet with community groups and area residents.

http://www.ksdp.org/?q=node/view/1495

CONGRESSMAN MOORE ASKS BUSH FOR BIPARTISAN BUDGET SUMMIT

BLUE DOG COALITION LETTER TO BUSH ASKS FOR SWIFT ACTION IN THE FACE OF MOUNTING DEBT

Submitted on October 3, 2005 - 2:33pm

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District-KS) joined the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition in asking President Bush to call an emergency bipartisan budget summit to address the nation's added fiscal burden in the wake of reconstruction efforts in the Gulf Region.

"We owe it to the American people to act responsibly by sitting down together and devising a serious plan to keep America from going even deeper in debt," said Moore in the letter. "We must also assure the country that every dime of their money is being spent appropriately - in the Gulf Region and throughout the federal government."

Thirty-one Blue Dogs - moderate and conservative Democrats in the House of Representatives - joined Moore in signing the letter to President Bush. Moore has long expressed concern over the mounting U.S. debt and is particularly troubled by our growing dependence on foreign governments to finance our debt. Earlier this year, Moore and the Blue Dogs offered a 12 Step Plan that would help our nation's deficit spending that required, among other things, all federal agencies pass clean audits, a balanced budget, and the setting aside of a rainy day fund to be used in the event of a natural disaster.

"Today, our nation's long term fiscal security is growing even bleaker with the addition of billions of dollars in emergency supplemental funds needed to rebuild the Gulf Region," the letter said. "As such, members of the Blue Dog Coalition urge you to immediately call for an emergency bipartisan budget summit to get our nation's fiscal house in order." The Blue Dogs letter adds that the Coalition, "believes that the United States should not be forced to borrow funds form foreign nations to finance our reconstruction efforts."

The thirty-two Blue Dogs signing the letter include: Joe Baca (CA), John Barrow (GA), Marion Berry (AR
Lette), Sanford Bishop (GA), Dan Boren (OK), Allen Boyd (FL), Dennis Cardoza (CA), Ed Case (HI), Ben Chandler (KY), Jim Cooper (TN), Jim Costa (CA), Bud Cramer (AL), Lincoln Davis (TN), Harold Ford (TN), Jane Harman (CA), Stephanie Herseth (SD), Tim Holden (PA), Steve Israel (NY), Jim Matheson (UT), Mike McIntyre (NC), Mike Michaud (ME), Collin Peterson (MN), Earl Pomeroy (ND), Mike Ross (AR), John Salazar (CO), Loretta Sanchez (CA), Adam Schiff (CA), David Scott (GA), John Tanner (TN), Gene Taylor (MS), Mike Thompson (CA).

http://moore.house.gov/nr.asp?nr_id=378
October 7, 2004

DENNIS MOORE INTRODUCES BILL TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM GASOLINE ACCIDENTS

Legislation requires child resistant closures on gasoline containers

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – To protect children from accidents involving gasoline containers around the home, Rep. Dennis Moore and Rep. Spencer Bachus today introduced the bipartisan Children’s Gasoline Burn Prevention Act. This legislation, which currently has 65 cosponsors, including Rep. Curt Weldon (R-PA) and Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-CA), would require that all portable gasoline containers be made with child resistant closures.

“Gasoline can be one of the most dangerous substances found around the home to our children,” Moore said. “Enacting this simple, non-partisan, common-sense measure would protect our children from tragic but avoidable accidents involving gasoline containers stored in our garages, basements and back porches.”

The problem first came to Moore’s attention after an incident in Leavenworth, Kansas, in which a four-year-old boy lost his life and his three-year-old brother was permanently scarred. The children opened and spilled the contents of a gas can, causing the gasoline vapors to be ignited by a hot water heater.

“When this tragedy was brought to my attention, I learned that the CPSC did not have the authority to create a national standard for a child-proof gas container,” said Moore. “There is obviously a need for child resistant gas cans, just like there was a need to put other dangerous products in special containers.”

Although gas containers are sold with the express purpose of storing gasoline, they are not subject to the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, the law that requires child resistant packaging for medication and other dangerous household products. Since there is no gasoline in the containers when sold, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has no authority to require child resistant caps.

“This bill requires mandatory standards just like the CPSC has for other products,” said Weldon, founder of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus and vice chairman of the Homeland Security Committee. “For less than $1 per gas can, we can help save children from severe burn injuries or death and put parents’ minds at ease. Congress needs to take action on this soon to prevent accidents that are occurring across the country.”

A study by the CPSC found, over a ten-year period, 33 confirmed cases of injuries from a child interacting with a gas can. Nineteen of those cases resulted in the death of a child. The number of confirmed cases is likely far lower than the actual number of injuries. Using other data, the CPSC estimated that there may have been 1,270 emergency room treated injuries to young children involving gas cans in a single year.

“When you look at the number of our children who are being killed or injured because of unsafe gas cans and the miniscule cost of preventing this – less than $1 per can – this legislation presents a compelling case. Protecting our children from severe and avoidable injury and disfigurement is a fundamental justification for action,” Rep. Bachus said.

“It makes no sense that gasoline cans aren't required to have child resistant closures simply because they are sold empty,” Rep. Waxman said. “These cans are specifically designed to carry a hazardous and highly volatile substance. Too many children have been harmed already from accidents with gas cans. We need to act now to ensure that children cannot open these cans.”

The Children’s Gasoline Burn Prevention Act has been endorsed by the National Fire Protection Association, the Congressional Fire Services Institute, Public Citizen, Safe Kids Metro KC, and Safe Kids Johnson County.

http://www.vote-smart.org/issue_rating_cat...can_id=CKS88019
PROJECT VOTE SMART

This shows Dennis' voting record since he was first elected to the House. It is too long to post here.

It is an enviable record, at least that is the way I see it.

Hmmmmm...Dennis Moore for Vice President....hmmmmm.........from Kansas...hmmmm..........

(Note from MC -- This is an oldie but goodie from the year 2000. And FYI since I keep forgetting to post it: A couple of months ago I was watching C-SPAN and Dennis Moore proposed a Social Security lockbox to keep Republicans from grabbing Social Security money and spending it, but Republicans of course would not allow this to get out of committee.)

MY ACTIVITIES IN CONGRESS
Newspaper Article

Moore Patience
Congressman finds building bipartisan coalitions is one of toughest tasks for lawmakers

Reprinted with the permission of the
Osawatomie Graphic
By Sue South
April 26, 2000

Building bipartisan coalitions to address issues facing Congress and pass meaningful legislation is essential, but it's also one of the toughest things a federal lawmaker faces, as U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore found out during his first 15 months in office.

Recent accomplishments of Congress, such as the repeal of the earnings limit for Social Security beneficiaries, are the result of Democrats and Republicans working together toward the same goal, not against each other.

"I think people in this country are absolutely thrilled when they see Congress work on a bipartisan basis." Moore said during an interview last week. "We should do that on other issues such as the Patients' Bill of Rights and campaign finance reform."

The 3rd District congressman was in Paola last week to conduct a forum on the high cost of prescription medications for the elderly and to speak to the Paola Rotary Club.

Even when legislation has support from both sides of the aisle, congressional leadership holds the upper hand. The House and Senate passed their own versions of a patients' bill of rights, and a conference committee has been charged with negotiating the differences.

It was bipartisan legislation sponsored by Democrats and Republicans to provide basic protections for medical patients, Moore said.

"The disturbing thing about the conference committee, is the speaker (House Speaker Dennis Hastert) appointed 13 conferees and 12 voted against it," he said. "It doesn't bode well."

The leadership also is holding up legislation to require trigger locks on guns, he said.

"I'm not taking away anyone's rights to a firearm, if they legally have one," he said. "I think it would pass, if the leadership would let us vote on it."

Trigger locks are a safeguard that could help prevent serious injuries and fatal accidents, Moore said.

A bill that Moore introduced to reduce and simplify estate taxes by increasing the unified estate and gift tax credit to $3 million is another victim of leadership control. The legislation would cover most small-business owners and farmers, and would protect the 80 to 90 percent of Americans with estates smaller than $3 million.

"I found out that leadership totally controls the agenda," he said. "If it wants something to get on the floor, it will."

Campaign finance reform is the same way. The House passed the Shays-Meehan Act last year, but similar legislation was blocked in the Senate by one senator, he said.

A bill that would require tax-exempt groups that attempt to influence the outcome of federal elections to disclose who contributes to them and how much is a victim of partisanship.

"At the very least, people should know who it is trying to influence their vote," Moore said. "We have 58 co-sponsors, but the only Republican is Chris Shays.

"It's frustrating when you see such extreme partisanship," he said.

He also is frustrated by Congress' broken promises, particularly the promise of funding to help states pay the extra costs of special education.

When Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 1975, it promised to fund up to 40 percent of the extra costs, Moore said. The funding is at 12 percent now.

"Congress made a promise and ought to keep this promise," he said. "It would help states and local school boards out, if Congress would keep up its end of the deal."

Among the recent accomplishments of the House is a passage of a measure that provides tax breaks for small businesses, he said.

Major provisions of the bill include pension portability, tax credits for businesses opening in economically depressed areas and a reduced estate tax. It also would accelerate the 100 percent deduction for the self-employed and increase the deduction for the purchase of business equipment.

The House also passed legislation to increase the current standard deduction for married couples, and a bill written by Moore to increase the amount individuals may contribute to individual retirement accounts from $2,000 to $5,000 per year [is gaining support.]

Congress is now faced with deciding what to do with a true budget surplus, not one that includes Social Security funds, Moore said. The real benefit of that is, if substantial portions of the national debt can be paid off, the interest on the debt would be reduced and taxes could be cut.

At 13.5 percent of the federal budget, interest paid on the national debt is the federal government's third largest expense behind Social Security and national defense and ahead of Medicare.

Moore voted last year to apply 50 percent of the surplus to debt reduction, 25 percent to bolstering Social Security and 25 percent to other purposes. That would not extend the solvency of Social Security, but would future generations in a position to do something about their own retirement needs, Moore said.

"It's the only fair thing to do for our kids and grandkids," he said.

On the international front, Moore said he thought the current administration was ambiguous about saying what it would do about a threat to Taiwan from China.

"We are backing Taiwan and its right to be secure from aggressive force used by China," Moore said. "This president and past presidents haven't been any more explicit than to say we don't want this to happen.

"It doesn't make sense that China would make these threats to Taiwan when trying to get permanent trade relations with us," he said.

Moore supports free trade with China.

"I really think that's the right thing to do for our country," he said.

China, not the United States, is making all the concessions, such as lowering tariffs, he said. That would give the United States the same opportunities China has had for years.

"Once you get to know them better, hopefully, you will try to sit down and settle disputes peacefully," Moore said. "Then you have a forum for a relationship before you start throwing bombs at each other."

http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache:vACdu...+congress&hl=en
(I have no doubt goofed again when posting this link due to computer incompetence - note from MC)

I thought Brownback is the one taliking about running for president I have no idea
if its true. I thought he told me he wen't to UMKC Law school I may be wrong.

Yes, Brownback is running for President and embarrassing us in Kansas, us who have common sense, that is.

I don't know anything about the UMKC thing.

(This was written by my two Congressmen, Emanuel Cleaver and Dennis Moore, and published in the Kansas City Star. Dennis is having a birthday party soon and Emanuel Cleaver is going to be roasting him there. An event not to be missed.)

www.kansascity.com


AS I SEE IT

TWO STATES CAN BECOME LIFE-SCIENCE DESTINATION

By Dennis Moore and Emanuel Cleaver

Special to The Star

The recently released Blue Ribbon Task Force report validated what many of us believe — that as a region we must invest in the assets we currently have and empower them to engage in further collaborations and partnerships.

As a region, we have the opportunity to take the state line, long viewed as an obstacle, and use it to our advantage. Through this plan, we can bring the Kansas City region to the forefront and create a remarkable and vibrant economic center for life sciences and the future.

Investment in education will create better jobs and increase our overall economic condition. Such investment will drive greater opportunity for advancement across all segments of our population and foster an environment where Kansas City can compete globally.

From the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and the University of Kansas Medical Center to our region’s strong hospital network, Kansas City is home to exciting foundational research that provides an excellent platform for life sciences. These resources must be fueled with investment so they are enabled to flourish and develop into pre-eminent centers of research and discovery.

Strong alliances with area community colleges, University of Missouri-Kansas City and KU Edwards Campus can help develop a highly educated work force, address some of the most pressing issues in K-12 education and allow the region to reap the benefits of investing in our own resources.

Perhaps at no other time in our region’s history have we been at a similar crossroads. The new economy is based on knowledge, and the competition for resources, both human and financial, is fierce.

The time is now. Our economic future depends on partnership, commitment and action. We must engage in a holistic approach to provide adequate funding and attractive partnerships to all institutions.

We applaud the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Higher Education for its time, energy and sound recommendations for strengthening higher education to the benefit of all the area’s citizens.


(Emanuel Cleaver represents Missouri’s 5th District, and Dennis Moore represents Kansas’ 3rd District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Both are Democrats.)

meetup.com

(This is the way we found supporters for KC4Kerry, beginning in the summer of 2003, which eventually grew to a few thousand as I understand it, but I don't have the entire database so don't know for sure.)

(And this is the way to start an organization wherever you might live.)

Here is info about meetups for Dennis Moore which will take place in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, from meetup.com:


All Dennis Moore for Congress Meetup Groups


* 150 members (150 who are waiting)
* United Dennis Moore for Congress Meetup Day: Fourth Wednesday

* Welcome
* Meetup Groups
* Message Board
* Members
* Photos
* Map
* Invite Friends

* Meetup Alerts
* Start your own Meetup Group!

Dennis Moore for Congress Meetups

– happen around the world on –
United Dennis Moore for Congress Meetup Day!

Moore Supporters meet on the Fourth Wednesday of every month
The next United Dennis Moore for Congress Meetup Day is:
Wed Nov 23 19:00:00 EST 2005rd

Find Dennis Moore for Congress Meetup Groups near you!

(Note from MC: WOW!)


TESTIMONIALS
www.mooreforcongress.com


BRIAN ROSTER -- In his own words
Student for Moore

"Dennis Moore remains a beacon of hope. He refuses to allow himself to be distracted from addressing the issues that are vital to the people of Kansas, and the nation."


I once heard a story in a history class that told of a moment following the Constitutional Convention of 1778. A woman approached Benjamin Franklin as he stepped out into the sun, and asked, "What sort of government shall it be?" Franklin turned to her and replied, "A Republic... if you can keep it."

It is historical stories such as this which remind us that our country's success has always depended upon the "will" of its citizens and leaders. I am thankful for having had the opportunity to be exposed to an education that has encouraged me to be a contributing citizen, not only for my sake, but for the sake of a greater, united nation. It is an example of how education can truly inspire.

I have recently been given a unique opportunity. By serving as the Student Senate President at Johnson County Community College, and as member of the Kansas Student Civic Leadership Initiative, I have been exposed to the reality of the chaos threatening Kansas' educational system. By taking the time to seek out the answers to my questions, it has allowed me to form my own view about what is happening, based upon my own research, which has prevented me from becoming lost in the propaganda of manipulation and greed. It has allowed me to see for myself how real the threat is, what it will ultimately cost the students of Kansas, and that immediate action must be taken to preserve our educational opportunities. More so, I have seen what it is doing to my fellow classmates.

This is the reason I have personally chosen to stand by Dennis Moore in his campaign for re-election as the 3rd District Representative in the U.S. House.

In a time when our government has been lost in harsh party politics and social class warfare, Dennis Moore remains a beacon of hope. He refuses to allow himself to be distracted from addressing the issues that are vital to the people of Kansas and the nation. He isn't afraid to meet people, face-to-face, to listen to what they have to say. Moore doesn't need "advisors" to think and speak for him, as he is sound enough to think and speak for himself. When addressing the problems of his constituents, he doesn't tell you what he thinks you want to hear, he tells you how he plans to fix them. I am proud to see that he doesn't have an "obsessive" need to point out the weak points in his opponents, for doing so would keep him focused on weakness in a time when our leaders need to focus on strength. There are "bigger fish to fry."

Through his support for educational funding, Dennis Moore has also shown his support for long term economic growth. By protecting the people's interest to better their abilities, he is also bettering the people who enter into the work force. Moore realizes that a strong, productive economy needs healthy, educated people.

Dennis Moore has shown true depth in his perception that, aside from adequate funding, educational institutions must be accountable in providing, and maintaining, educational standards that will improve Kansans. In these difficult times, Moore understands the value of a dollar, and people's desire to use their tax dollars for the highest outcomes.

Instead of implementing short-term policies to stabilize economic growth before an election year, Moore has consistently handled the issues darkening America by educating himself on the true nature of the problem and attacking at the roots.

I find truth in the fact that a candidate, who stands to strengthen education, is a person who isn't afraid to stand before a strong, educated constituency.

I went to workon his campain and volunter they made me show up and were not there wich was very rude. The office was by the DWSS shoes how ever you spell it
on Qivera drive in Lenexa. I tried to speak with him and he wouldn't even face me.

The district he is in Lenexa is in KC its known for being backwards. Look at the property taxes that should give you an idea of what you would face. When I was on the Kerry Campain they were never rude. They didn't say sorry for mak'n me show up. He has never faced one issue for me or anyfriends. Why do you think he is in a small district he can't win in a big one. The police are known for lieing in court. I know someone who had a ticket they wen't to the courthouse on 87th st in lenexa. The cop lied when asked if he was parked in the street and running radar by a train. As you know trains can run fast and you are not to run radar that close to a train. They gave the cop a promotion can you believe it. They harass the liquir stores.

They want to build a new police station on the edge of town where no one is by a bunch of uperscale homes. They are such a small police force they have no internal afairs to speak of and don't have a jail they house them in Olathe. The internal affairs they have I wouldn't call it anything a joke if anything. They let them get away with everything they should merge with the olathe police.

He is letting them do this unopposed. I know people in Lenexa trust me you don't want him to run.He won but the town is backwards. There is hardly no crime on the edge of town notice i said hardly none why they set up shop there is unknown. They were to set up a dillions grocery store on the edge of town the property taxes are so high they have been doing it for years making people wonder if it will ever occur. The people who landscape the roads in the uperscale area said the residents were flameing mad. They put lots of trees in and let them die several times making homeowners mad. How much they spent is unknown. The police put cameras on the edge of town there is no one there. I am telling you its backwards.

Check the facts and property taxes its no joke. He has lots of offices just like Roberts and the rest of them. Look at the town he represents.

Revenge, I understand your frustration, but I must admit I am confused by what you are saying in your post.

About a campaign office not being open when you went to volunteer, perhaps there was an event scheduled at the last minute, or perhaps it was just closed temprarily due to the campaign manager running an errand if the office on Quivera was understaffed. There are many other explanations for what happened.

Could you tell me more about it?

And as far as Dennis Moore not caring about you and others, I know from personal experience that this is not true. He does care, and you can take that one to the bank.

Did you know that Lenexa is in Kansas and not in KC at all? When you said KC, I assume you meant Kansas City, Missouri as that is what KC stands for, and Dennis is a Congressman in Kansas, not Missouri. How long have you lived in the area?

And many of the problems in any area of Kansas (Lenexa is in Johnson County, by the way) have been caused by Republicans (red state, remember?) running the state for too long. Dennis Moore is a beacon of light in a red forest of Republicans.

www.mooreforcongress.com

TESTIMONIALS

Bill Land: Educators for Moore

"It's one thing to listen, the next level is to listen and care. The third level is to put that caring into action and that's what Dennis does."


BILL LAND VISITS THE MOORE FOR CONGRESS HEADQUARTERS

If you want to get a handle on the current state of public education in Kansas, look no further than Bill Land. A Kansas teacher for "about 30 years," Land also serves on the Board of Directors for the Kansas National Education Association, is the KNEA's Political Action Commissioner and Vice President of the Local Association of Blue Valley, his teaching home for 18 years.

You could say that Land lives education as well as works for it. His wife, Crystal, has been a Shawnee Mission teacher for 31 years and they have sent two daughters through Kansas public schools.

Land works tirelessly to improve education standards and conditions for his own district as well as the needs of students statewide. One of his current areas of focus is the No Child Left Behind policies enacted by the federal government. "The general concept is good," says Land, "but the issue is; how do we get there? One size fits all is something the current law implies and we're trying to show that that's not how it works in the classroom."

One of Land's roles is to work with local as well as national leaders to see that students benefit from policies like No Child Left Behind. "We have a money issue here. (No Child Left Behind) is a typical unfunded mandate," says Land. The federal government requires the state to comply with the law. There, the policies get delayed due to legislative confusion and economic limitations. The result, argues Land, is that these policies get passed down to local school districts, which also lack the sufficient funding to comply with the mandates.

With this tug-of-war between federal, state and local communities, Land says it's crucial for our national representatives to be responsive to education concerns. "As an educator, you want a leader that says, 'What do I need to know about the issues? Once I've gathered the information, I'm going to process it and act. And once I act, I'm going to stick to that decision.'" To Land, Dennis Moore embodies this can-do approach.

"Congressman Moore has introduced legislation that says it is the federal government's responsibility to pay for what the government mandates and he has become a voice in Washington to that end," says Land. In 2003, Moore introduced the Keeping Our Promises to America's Children Act, which allows school districts to delay implementation of new federal requirements if the appropriate funding is not met.

Moore's efforts and consistent pro-education voting record have not only impressed Bill Land, but have won Moore the unqualified endorsement of the National Education Association.

"Dennis Moore has a lot of integrity," says Land. "He keeps in touch with constituents and tries to speak and act on their behalf. At the same time, he's going to do what he thinks is right even if it's not popular. As I always tell my students, 'What is popular is not always right.'"

Land also admires Moore's ability to become personally involved with his constituents, not as 'back slapping' posturing but with genuine concern. Land tells the story that, years ago, he approached Moore with a concern not related to education. "I wanted to talk about my mother's issue about high prescription drug costs." He says that Moore "listened very intently" and later asked if he could use her story to present to a congressional committee discussing health-care costs for seniors. "Even today, he continues to ask about my mom, 'has her situation gotten any better?'" Incidentally, Land adds that his mother finally got a chance to meet Moore personally and later changed her political affiliation from lifelong-Republican to Democrat.

"It's one thing to listen," says Land, "the next level is to listen and care. The third level is to put that caring into action and that's what Dennis does."

"Dennis represents so well the type of legislator I tell my students they should expect to see. He is honest, hard- working, considerate and genuinely interested in doing the best he can to represent his constituents. If you were to draw up a blueprint for what a congressman ought to be, that's what Dennis is."

TESTIMONIALS
www.mooreforcongress.com

JOHN MENDEZ: WYANDOTTE COUNTIAN FOR MOORE
"You've got to respect a man who puts forth his life to public service. I know that Dennis Moore is there for us. I can see the care in his eyes when I talk to him."



"He's just a good friend."

This is how John Mendez describes Congressman Dennis Moore's commitment to Wyandotte County, Kansas City Kansas and the unique issues facing these communities.

Mendez should know. He's been involved with public service for '30 plus years' in the area. He has proudly served as Deputy City Administrator for KCK, Deputy County Administrator for Wyandotte County, and is now a Unified Government Commissioner for its Third District, encompassing the Rosedale and Argentine areas. "I've really enjoyed it," says Mendez, "you get to meet people and see the results of your efforts locally."

Mendez sees his crucial role as "providing leadership in the redevelopment process of the urban core." This includes rebuilding infrastructure and homes, dealing with rising unemployment, fighting urban blight and crime, and pursuing efforts to keep kids in school. Equal parts civic leader and cheerleader, Mendez seeks to provide funding for these efforts and to "keep neighborhood groups motivated and inspired with a lot of spirit."

These initiatives require government resources "and we don't have a lot to spare," says Mendez. Local leaders like Mendez must find alliances in Washington to direct much-needed federal money to their communities. And this is where Dennis Moore comes in.

"Dennis has always been there for Wyandotte County and KCK," says Mendez. "He has helped us identify federal money to rebuild our urban core." In addition, Moore has "addressed the unemployment problem as well as health care; getting federal funds to assist people without insurance. He has been a friend of our community for many, many years."

In addition to supporting rebuilding efforts in Wyandotte County, Mendez feels that Moore has a special interest in its constituents, especially the Hispanic community. "He clearly supports issues that support immigrants and fight urban blight," says Mendez. "He understands the Hispanic community; immigration issues, job issues, health care."

Moore has been an outspoken supporter of the Dream Act, which Mendez calls "important legislation that helps immigrant kids afford local schools and colleges." Moore has opposed "really shameful" legislation that would deny emergency room services unless the patient can prove their US citizenship. "You can't find leaders who are more sensitive to immigrant issues than Dennis Moore," says Mendez.

Mendez cites leaders like Moore and former KCK Mayor Jack Reardon as inspirational in their abilities to motivate and create positive change. "You've got to respect a man who puts forth his life to public service," says Mendez. "I know that Dennis Moore is there for us. I can see the care in his eyes when I talk to him."

"He's a friend, indeed, for us."

(Dennis Moore is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition in the U.S. House, a group that has been talked about on the cable TV channels lately. Here is the scoop on the Blue Dogs; it may or may not need updating. ~ MC)


http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:McXMW...nis+moore&hl=en
Blue Dog Democrats
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Blue Dog Democrats are social and economic conservatives and moderates in the United States Democratic Party. In the United States House of Representatives, Blue Dogs are an actual coalition of likeminded Democrats organized as the Blue Dog Coalition, rather than just an expression such as "Yellow Dog" Democrats. The term is a reference to the "Blue Dog" paintings of Cajun artist George Rodrigue of Lafayette, Louisiana; the original members of the coalition would regularly meet in the offices of Louisiana representatives who had Rodrigue's paintings on their walls.

Contents


* 1 The Blue Dog Coalition
* 2 List of Blue Dog Coalition members
* 3 Differences between the Blue Dogs and the DLC
* 4 Differences between the Blue Dogs and the party's left wing
* 5 External links



The Blue Dog Coalition

The Blue Dog Coalition is a group of moderate to conservative Democrats in the United States House of Representatives. The group is currently made up of 35 Democrats, mostly from the U.S. Southern states.

The coalition was formed in the 1994 104th Congress as a way for more conservative congressmen of the primarily liberal Democratic party to have a unified voice in Congress. The group's name came from the older description of many in the South who "would vote for a yellow dog if he ran as a Democrat" combined with the feeling that moderate-to-conservative views had been "choked blue" by the Democratic party in years prior to the election.

They were notably successful in a special election of February 2004 in Kentucky, to fill a vacant Representative's seat. They were also successful in the November 2004 elections, with three of the five races where a Democrat won a formerly Republican seat in the House won by Blue Dog Democrats. Freshman Blue Dogs in the House are sometimes known as "Blue Pups."

Often, the group will be instrumental in striking a balance between liberal and conservative ideas. Despite Blue Dogs' differing degrees of economic and social conservatism, they share a strong orientation toward fiscal responsibility, and as a rule work to promote positions within the House of Representatives which bridge the gap between the two extremes. Blue Dogs are an important swing vote on spending bills and, as a result, have gained an influence in Congress out of proportion to their small numbers. They are frequently sought after to broker compromises between the Democratic and Republican leadership.


List of Blue Dog Coalition members

* Joe Baca (California)
* John Barrow (Georgia)
* Marion Berry (Arkansas)
* Sanford Bishop (Georgia)
* Dan Boren (Oklahoma)
* Leonard Boswell (Iowa)
* Allen Boyd (Florida)
* Dennis Cardoza (California)
* Ed Case (Hawaii)
* Ben Chandler (Kentucky)
* Jim Cooper (Tennessee)
* Jim Costa (California)
* Bud Cramer (Alabama)
* Lincoln Davis (Tennessee)
* Harold Ford, Jr. (Tennessee)
* Jane Harman (California)
* Stephanie Herseth (South Dakota)
* Tim Holden (Pennsylvania)
* Steve Israel (New York)
* Jim Matheson (Utah)
* Mike McIntyre (North Carolina)
* Charlie Melancon (Louisiana)
* Mike Michaud (Maine)
* Dennis Moore (Kansas)
* Collin Peterson (Minnesota)
* Earl Pomeroy (North Dakota)
* Mike Ross (Arkansas)
* John Salazar (Colorado)
* Loretta Sanchez (California)
* Adam Schiff (California)
* David Scott (Georgia)
* John Tanner (Tennessee)
* Ellen Tauscher (California)
* Gene Taylor (Mississippi)
* Mike Thompson (California)

Former members of Congress who were prominent Blue Dog Coalition members include Charles Stenholm of Texas and Brad Carson of Oklahoma.

Another prominent Blue Dog Democrat was Gary Condit, a Congressman from California and subject of a high-profile sex scandal in 2001-2002.


Differences between the Blue Dogs and the DLC

Blue Dog Democrats tend to differ ideologically from another coalition of moderate Democrats, the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC). The DLC describes itself as new Democrat and positions itself as centrist while taking liberal positions on social issues and conservative positions on economic issues and trade. Democrats who identify with the Blue Dogs, on the other hand, tend to be social conservatives, but have differing positions on economic issues ranging from fiscal conservatism to economic populism. For example, most Blue Dogs are strong supporters of gun rights and get high ratings from the National Rifle Association, many have pro-life voting records, and some get high ratings from immigration reduction groups, which cannot be said for most members of the DLC. On economic issues, Blue Dogs span the spectrum from fiscal conservatives to supporters of labor unions, protectionism, and other populist measures, while the DLC tends to favor free trade.

A small number of newer Blue Dogs, however, hold positions closer to those of the DLC, and some Blue Dog Coalition members are also DLC members. Blue Dogs share with the DLC a desire to keep the Democratic Party grounded in their view of the political center, and to ensure that the party does not drift too far to the left of their own positions and no longer appeal to what they believe to be the majority of U.S. voters.

If the DLC are the "new Democrats", the Blue Dogs are almost surely "old Democrats", hearkening back to the party's past during the eras of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman, and to the party's former electoral stronghold in the southern United States (see also: Boll weevil and Dixiecrats). Most members of the Blue Dog Coalition in the House represent rural districts, and a large proportion of them represent Southern states.


Differences between the Blue Dogs and the party's left wing

The Blue Dogs' moderate agenda in Congress has angered many in the Democratic party, as it often leads to them voting with the more conservative Republicans. In 2005, the members of the Blue Dog Coalition voted 32 to 3 in favor of the bill to limit access to bankruptcy protection (S 256). Congressman Collin Peterson was subjected to a heated round of questioning from colleagues in the Democratic Party over several votes where he strayed from the party line before being nominated as the Ranking Member on the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, in what would otherwise have been a routine nomination.

On the other hand, some prominent Blue Dogs have also gotten strong support from progressive activists within the party, most notably Brad Carson of Oklahoma in his unsuccessful 2004 run for the U.S. Senate, John Tanner of Tennessee (whose Republican opponent in 2004, James L. Hart, was a radical eugenics advocate denounced by his own party), Jim Matheson of Utah, and Loretta Sanchez of California in her successful bid to unseat former Congressman Bob Dornan. Online fundraising efforts by liberal weblogs in 2004 named Brad Carson's campaign a top national priority. In some cases this support for Blue Dogs came about because the Republican opponent was seen as holding radical right wing views; in other cases the support is because in some states like Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Utah, a conservative Democrat is seen as the only kind of Democrat who can be viable at the polls. Some progressive activists also view the Blue Dogs as an important part of a Democratic Party big tent coalition, which will give the party important credibility with rural voters and social conservatives, while viewing the Blue Dogs as perhaps easier to swing to the left on fiscal and trade issues than the DLC.

Others in the party's left wing disagree, and have promoted the idea of running future primary challenges against both Blue Dog Coalition and DLC members in an effort to unseat Democratic Party members they view as unreliable or too conservative.

www.kansascity.com
Posted on Tue, Nov. 22, 2005


P.S.: ARMY RESERVE FACILITY WILL GET A FACE-LIFT

The Army Reserve facility at the New Century Air Center near Olathe is in line for a $6.4 million makeover.

U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore, a Lenexa Democrat, said the House of Representatives approved the money Monday as part of the Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act.

“This federal funding will enhance U.S. Army Reserve training conditions and improve the efficiency of maintenance activity at the New Century facility,” Moore said, adding that the measure is expected to be signed into law soon.

The money will be used for construction of a new maintenance shop that provides space for training and daily vehicle maintenance, including eight bays for tanks.
— Jim Sullinger/The Star

www.ksdp.org/

CONGRESSMEN MOORE AND CLEAVER DECRY LARGEST PROPOSED STUDENT AID CUT IN HISTORY

Submitted on November 28, 2005 - 5:33pm.

(KANSAS CITY, MO) – Democratic Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District -- Kansas) and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (Fifth District - Missouri) joined University of Missouri-Kansas City students on Tuesday to decry the largest proposed cut in student financial aid in the program's history.

"Not all spending cuts are equal," said Moore. "These proposed cuts to student financial aid are irresponsible and will make it harder for students to afford to attend college. While I strongly believe in the importance of fiscal responsibility, Congress must recognize the health of our economy rests on having a well-educated workforce."

At a time when college tuition is skyrocketing, the recently passed spending reconciliation bill slashes student loans by more than $14 billion - increasing the costs for the 83,276 student borrowers in Kansas and 160,128 student borrowers in Missouri. This includes raising student loan interest rate caps and raising interest rates and fees on student borrowers who consolidate their loans. According to estimates, these changes could cost students up to $5,800 more in interest and fees over the life of their loans.

"The onerous cuts to the budget are placed directly on the backs of students to fund a tax cut for the wealthiest Americans. Affordable and accessible higher education is critical to preparing our workforce for a global economy. I am strongly committed to restoring the student aid funds," said Cleaver.

Separate versions of the federal budget reconciliation bill that include the student aid cuts narrowly passed the House and Senate. In December, a conference committee will try to hash out the differences and resubmit the bill for final approval.

During the forum on Tuesday, Congressmen Moore and Cleaver said that slashing the student loan program would increase the cost of higher education for student borrowers, who number 83,276 in Kansas and 160,128 in Missouri.

They said the proposals would raise fees on student loans, raise interest rates on consolidation loans and reduce government subsidies paid to lenders.

Congressmen Moore and Cleaver hoped the event on Tuesday would raise awareness of this issue and elicit public pressure to prevent cuts to the loan program.

www.ksdp.org

CONGRESSMAN MOORE'S OFFICE HELPS RECORD NUMBER OF KANSANS IN NEED

Submitted on December 21, 2005 - 11:50am.

(OVERLAND PARK, KAN.) - As 2005 comes to a close, Congressman Dennis Moore (D-Third District) announced today that his office of constituent services solved the problems of more people of the Third District than ever before.

Moore's three offices in Overland Park; Kansas City, Kan.; and Lawrence collectively took in 1226 cases as of the end of November this year, up 300 cases from 2004. Moore's staff also closed 1769 cases, 100 more than last year.

"My job is to serve the people of the Third District," Moore said. "Whether I am representing their needs in Washington or providing assistance to individual constituents through my local offices, I am dedicated to doing what is best for people in this area."

Moore's office can help cut through red tape associated with federal programs to expedite response when problems arise. The majority of cases resolved in 2005, about 500, dealt with veterans and military service issues. Other areas in which the Congressman provided assistance include Social Security and Medicare benefits, student and small business loans, IRS problems, passports and federal grant searches. Staff in the congressional offices have experience navigating through these programs and can often resolve problems more quickly and simply than an individual working alone.

In addition to dealing with the everyday workings of government, Moore's office can provide help in emergency situations. The active 2005 hurricane season put many people in dire, unforeseen circumstances. One such case was Paul Hayes, a former resident of Kansas City, who lived in an assisted-living apartment in Jefferson Parish, La. Hayes is a wheelchair-bound Navy veteran who was unable to find adequate shelter that would meet his health needs before the storm hit. He was forced to stay in his sixth-floor apartment during the storm and spent days without electricity to run his breathing machines. After receiving no help from local emergency workers, Hayes finally called a Kansas City radio station in desperation. The station contacted Moore, who notified FEMA and state police officials. After a day of working with Louisiana authorities, Moore was informed that rescue workers had retrieved Hayes and he was evacuated to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo.


Other cases in which Congressman Moore was able to help constituents in need include:

· Al Donoho of Overland Park called Moore's office after Hurricane Wilma trapped his sister, Linda Keeny, and her daughter, Kim, in Cancun. The two managed to find shelter immediately after the storm and a friend in the United States purchased them a plane ticket home. To use the ticket, however, they needed to obtain a pass from the Mexican government. Moore and his staff worked with U.S. Consulate officers in Mexico to provide Keeny and her daughter with the information needed to obtain passes and fly home safely.

· Col. Michael Sarras of Kansas City, Kan., was told that he was no longer eligible to receive dental care at Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth due to new regulations limiting such care. Col. Sarras had been shot in the head during World War II, which caused severe injury to his cranial nerves. An inquiry from a Moore staff member found that those injuries should have qualified Col. Sarras for dental care, even under the new regulations. After being provided with information from Moore's office, the VA agreed and continued Col. Sarras' dental coverage.

· Lendee Venard of Kansas City, Kan., contacted Moore's office when an internal error at the Social Security Administration dropped her from the system. Due to the error, she stopped receiving her disability payments and her Medicare insurance was dropped. This led Venard to postpone a needed wrist surgery. She called the SSA office to sort the matter out, but received no response. When a staff member from Moore's office got in touch with SSA, they agreed to set up emergency payments for Venard while they fixed the problem. Venard's insurance was reinstated so she could have the surgery.

· KalScott Engineering, an aero/defense engineering firm located in Lawrence, creates Unmanned Air Vehicles, planes that fly by computer software without a pilot in the cockpit. The company creates the vehicles for various federal agencies for military, science, and homeland security missions in data-gathering capacities. Because there is no pilot to respond to emergencies, the Federal Aviation Administration requires that the planes have transponders so they can be tracked in real time by the administration's air traffic control radar system. With a letter of support from Moore, KalScott was able to secure a NASA grant to further develop the transponders. Today, the company has $3 million in confirmed projects and is looking to expand its operations to the Lawrence Municipal Airport.